Social Security Dependents Benefits Through SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides payments to workers who have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund through Social Security taxes and to their dependents. Dependents who qualify for these benefits can include spouses and children as well as ex-spouses and grandchildren (in some cases). For each category of dependent, there are different qualifying rules.

These dependents benefits supplement the disabled worker's SSDI monthly benefit that he or she will receive from Social Security. In addition, if a disabled worker dies and leaves dependent spouses, children, ex-spouses, or even elderly parents, they are eligible for survivors benefits.

Dependents benefits and survivors benefits are not available to the families of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients.

Benefits for Spouses

Benefits for Spouses

Spouses married for at least a year, divorced spouses who were married at least 10 years, and surviving spouses can be entitled to benefits based on the earnings record of the disabled spouse (or disabled ex-spouse).

Spouses married for at least a year, divorced spouses who were married at least 10 years, and surviving spouses can be entitled to benefits based on the earnings record of the disabled spouse (or disabled ex-spouse).